Across rural New Mexico, community well-being often begins with practical, visible work: clearing debris, improving safety, restoring shared spaces, and helping neighbors feel proud of the places they call home. EnviroTrash, a new fiscally sponsored project of New Mexico Community Foundation (NMCF), is bringing that spirit to Cibola County and parts of McKinley County through nonprofit trash and debris removal focused on safety, dignity, and quality of life.
Working with agencies and property owners, the project removes trash and debris from public and private spaces. Its mission is simple and deeply local: make communities safer, cleaner, and more welcoming.
For NMCF, EnviroTrash reflects a familiar truth: rural communities know their own needs, and local leaders often have the clearest vision for meeting them. For more than 40 years, NMCF has supported rural, community-led work across the state. As a statewide community foundation, NMCF provides fiscal sponsorship to charitable projects ready to serve while building capacity, credibility, and long-term sustainability.
Through fiscal sponsorship, emerging projects can receive administrative, donor, project, and grant management support while staying focused on the work their communities need most. This structure helps local ideas move forward with accountability, trusted stewardship, and a statewide partner committed to measurable impact.
Founder Angela Garcia grew up in the area and understands how much clean, safe, organized spaces can affect a person’s comfort and dignity. Her experience in the medical field and as a railroad driver shaped a practical, service-minded approach, but her motivation has always come back to helping neighbors. “I’ve thought for years about how I could serve the communities I come from,” Angela said. “This work is about giving people relief, helping them feel safe, and showing them they are not alone.”
That idea gained momentum when Angela connected with Christopher Long, a retired law enforcement officer who shared her commitment to improving local quality of life. “Families sometimes need a hand during difficult transitions, after an illness, a medical emergency, a disability, or when a loved one is downsizing,” said EnviroTrash COO Christopher Long. “We want to meet people in those moments with empathy and respect, helping them feel less overwhelmed and less alone.”
Community beautification can create ripple effects beyond the immediate cleanup. Cleaner spaces can improve safety, restore pride, support tourism, and help create conditions that attract new businesses and residents. The founders believe visible progress can inspire more people to get involved and take pride in their communities again.
EnviroTrash plans to accept donations in lieu of service fees, but payment will not be required to receive help. Long-term sustainability will depend on grants, private contributions, and strong donor relationships. The team intends to document its work carefully so supporters can see the measurable impact made possible through local action.
As a fiscally sponsored project, EnviroTrash reflects what NMCF has long understood: meaningful philanthropy in New Mexico is rooted in trusted relationships, local knowledge, and investments that endure. By supporting projects like this one, NMCF helps rural communities turn practical ideas into visible change—today and for generations to come.
Interested in supporting EnviroTrash? Make a donation to their project here: https://newmexicofoundation.givevirtuous.org/donate/envirotrash. If you are interested in supporting rural, community-led projects across the state, consider supporting NMCF’s Thriving Rural Fund.
Sarah Mandala is our Fiscal Sponsorship Manager. She is available to answer questions about fiscal sponsorship with NMCF, smandala@nmcf.org or 505.356.4108
Before and After pictures, above: These pictures illustrate the impact of EnviroTrash's effort. This cleanup was a 3-bedroom, 1-bath house, with 2 sheds and 2 large playhouses. The EnviroTrash team took 13 loads to the dump and 7 loads of donations out of the house.
